19Aug 2014 by CJ

The love of a grandparent is everlasting

Love & Relationships
Lately, I’ve been feeling rather nostalgic. Maybe it’s because much of my current life is so unsettled at the moment (unemployed/living with my in-laws) and my heart and mind remember back to a time of stability and comfort as a way of coping through. I often relate this feeling of nostalgia to walking around an old antique shop filled with treasures from days long ago. There’s a sense of history all around you, stories associated with each and every item. Our memories are just like that – a place we can “walk around” to remember – a place of constant inspiration through all the challenges and discoveries we face in life. But over the last few weeks, one person has been continually on my mind – my grandmother – who…
Read More
12Aug 2014 by CJ

My contribution to Ultimate Life Magazine

Love & Relationships
I'm very excited to be featured in a brand new international publication entitled Ultimate Life - a recently released, on-line publication. It's filled with stories that are both inspiring and informative and I hope you'll all take a few minutes to give it a look. And you can check out my "Thought of the Month" on page 118. Enjoy! Ultimate Life Magazine  
Read More
16Jul 2014 by CJ

What makes a successful life has more to do with what you can’t see

Generosity & Kindness, Life & Living, Love & Relationships
It’s been three weeks since my wife and I permanently moved from New Jersey to Colorado. Man time goes fast! While the transition has been difficult and searching for new employment has been challenging, I’m starting to realize that I’ve been afforded a rather rare gift in life – the gift of time. Time to share ordinary, everyday moments with my beautiful wife and time to refocus my priorities for the next chapter in my life. Something I’ve been thinking a great deal about lately has been the word success. Webster defines success as “The fact of getting or achieving wealth, respect or fame; the correct or desired result of an attempt.” So many of us, myself included, spend so much of our time misguided by the word “success” and…
Read More
17Jun 2014 by CJ

Home is not a place, but a series of moment you take with you

Love & Relationships
Almost twelve years ago to the day, my wife and I moved into our first house - a traditional, side-hall colonial from the mid 1920’s. While beginning your career or solidifying your relationship with the exchange of vows certainly qualifies as being a full-fledged adult, I feel that buying your first home is tops on the list. Beyond the financial burden, it’s a huge personal responsibility that really doesn’t come with a foolproof handbook, no matter what the experts might say. You learn as you go – from the mistakes and the successes – allowing you the esteemed title of “homeowner” that so many of us take pride in. I remember my wife and I practically LIVED on Chips Ahoy sandwich cookies with Oreo cream inside for the first few…
Read More